Some things I want to eat right now.

I swear I'd cook every night if I could do it here!

I thought I would kick off today and the week with a few tasty looking recipes that have made it onto my cooking to-do list recently. Nothin too complicated, everything so yummy. Enjoy!

A Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich with Guacamole and Chipotle Mayo is pretty much the stuff my dreams are made of and the great news is that recipe is not nearly as complex as you might think! And though in my expert(!?) opinion a freshly baked bun from your favorite local bakery is (definitely) the way to go, you could also forgo the bun and serve this chicken/cheese/bacon/guac mountain with a side of beans or veggies for a slightly last carb-tastic meal. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

This recipe is so simple that it's pretty much begging to be a part of your next Sunday brunch. Simply combine in an oven-safe dish 1-2 eggs (depending on the size of your dish), sauteed spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, a dollop (official term) of goat cheese and a few torn pieces of proscuitto. Sprinkle with pepper and a little sea/kosher salt and bake in the oven until the egg starts to firm up (but not all the way). Serve and enjoy!! Pin it HERE.

I always get afraid of recipes which call for shredded brussel sprouts because they seem like so much work, but this Bacon and Brussels Salad looks so tasty that I think I'm going to have to overcome my fears (and purchase a mandoline!) Using the age old trick of improving veggies with bacon, the 40 minutes of prep time will definitely be time well spent. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

And because there should never be a post about food that doesn't show a little love to dessert, check out these adorable Mini "Ice Cream Cone" Cake Pops! The recipe is just my speed (a pre-made glazed munchkin is the main ingredient) but those of you with more of a Betty Crocker inclination could certainly make your own "ice cream scoop" cake pop. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

A Weekend to Remember.

Yup.

Not to toot my own horn or anything... but this past weekend I pretty much rocked Dr. H's birthday socks off (toot TOOT!!) There were surprise visitors and festive dinners, late night shenanigans and even horseback riding. We ate like kings (and drank like fish) and overall it was just one of those weekends that reminds you that these are truly great times.

Since now I look and feel kinda like THIS, I thought the best thing to do today was give you a little recap of some of our adventures since I heartily recommend everywhere we ate/drank/went/played.

* Friday - La Esquina & Brinkley's

Do not be fooled by the "taco counter" storefront at street level! Walk in the main door, head down a flight of stairs and through the kitchen (literally) and you end up in a cave meets-awesomely decorated bar and sit-down restaurant space. Though La Esquina can be a biatch to get a large group reservation at (one month in advance, limited space, etc) their price fix menu includes copious amounts of insanely delicious food which go quite nicely with their awesome cocktails. For a regular dinner, arrive early, make a reservation or be willing to sit at the bar and La Esquina will be a chic and tasty night on the town.

I've walked past Brinkley's dozens of times, but post-La Esquina (just around the corner in Soho) was my first time heading inside. The bar had a great atmosphere, a decent number of tables and barstools and though it got crowded as the night went on, it never filled to the "whose armpit is this in my face?" capacity that I detest. Gonna have to head back for eats sometime soon!

* Saturday - Coffee Shop, Union Square Farmer's Market & Ginny's Supper Club

Rising and shining(ish!) on Saturday morning our crew of 6 (siblings and 1 tiny niece included!!) headed to a birthday brunch at The Coffee Shop in Union Square. This spot is a go-to for me in the neighborhood with a menu filled excellent options (brunch or lunch/dinner) at reasonable prices. Items like the "Hangover Sandwich", pancakes, french toast and steak and eggs were hits all around my brunch table and the atmosphere is always lively (plus outdoor seating!) Reservations recommended if you want to avoid a wait.

I absolutely love the Union Square Farmer's Market. The produce, flowers, cheese, baked goods, meats, fish, (Martin's Pretzels!) and more are fresh, delicious and locally sourced. Though it can get a bit crowded on beautiful Saturdays, arrive early and get the fresh stuff before the crowds. (Open M,W,F,Sat 8am-6pm, more info HERE)

Below the (deservedly hyped) Red Rooster Harlem restaurant, is Ginny's Supper Club, a modern reincarnation of the glamorous Harlem speakeasies of the 1920s and also serving delicious eats by chef Marcus Samuelsson.  Our table for two had a prime view of the wonderful live jazz performance and the food was Ah-MAZ-ing. From the chicken and waffles and deviled eggs appetizers to our "Helga's Meatballs" and Mac and Greens (a mac and cheese of epic deliciousness in my humble opinion!), every bite was more delicious than the next. I even glutinously enjoyed the homemade ice cream sandwich for dessert because... BECAUSE. If you like live jazz and you want a glam, unique, DELICIOUS night on the town, reservations at Ginny's Supper Club should be it. (Note - you can also just buy tickets for the performance and drink/listen at the bar in the back!)

Dr. H is obsessed with horses (strange, but true) and somewhere in my birthday surprise hype-building we developed a running joke that I was getting him "a stallion" for a gift. The stallion jokes invaded daily conversation so much that I felt I had to do something horse-related for my beloved equine-enthusiast. Recalling an episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte went riding in the city and turning to our trusted friend Google, I discovered Kensington Stables located just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Bizarrely situated just like any other business on a city street corner, the stable is home to more than 20 horses and for the reasonable price of $37 you can take an hour-long ride through the park (including an only-in-NYC, is this really happening? horse ride through a traffic circle to get into the park!) The horses are all beautiful and riding through the city park was truly a unique experience. Kensington Stables also offers lessons or for just $3 your kiddo can take a pony ride up and down the block. Not too shabby NYC, not too shabby at all.

Hump Day Distractions

HAHAHA!

Hellllllo Hump Day! Is anyone else freakin GRINDING it out this week!? I'm in full on beast mode so pausing to check out these distractions made for an excellent mental mini-vacation. Treat yourself as well and then let's get back to it... Friday, we're coming for ya!

* File this one under "only in NYC"...absolutely bananas, but that mom and little girl sure have a great story for life!

* THIS pretty much just ruined my day.

* The best Olympic photos taken in Sochi. Stunning.

* A natural energy drink that has just 3-4 ingredients!? Sign me up (plus I think it looks kinda cool!)

* Dear Lauren Conrad. You've come a long way from The Hills and turns out, you're pretty freakin awesome. Sincerely, All Girls (who run the world?)

* What an adorably brilliant way to "see the world".

* Olivia Pope is (finally!) coming back tomorrow night. Want to live in an apartment just like hers? Here's how.

* Toy Story fans. Prepare to have your mind BLOWN.

* I'm still hashtagging uncontrollably... so is Jimmy Fallon (#kindredspirits)

* A glowing solution to the Finnish reindeer problem and some playful crows who are apparently not sick of all the snow! (via CupofJo)

All around excellent eats

New York City is home to over 4,000 restaurants, but somehow when I'm trying to make plans to eat out, I often feel like I have nowhere to go. Not "nowhere" in the "no options" sense, but nowhere in the "there are so many choices, I can't even think of the places I like in that neighborhood, but I kinda want to try somewhere new, but how do I even know what to consider!?!" sort of nowhere. It's overwhelming... but thankfully, there is The Smith.

The Smith describes itself as "a casual American Brasserie" and since opening its first location in the East Village (3rd btw 10th and 11th) in 2007, the restaurant has since expanded to include locations in Midtown (2nd at 51st) and Lincoln Center (Broadway at 63rd). All three establishments have a similar lively atmosphere accomplished with big black paned windows, white subway tiling and an industrial-meets-French-brasserie decor that is chic, but also inviting. I've been to The Smith for both brunch and dinner and both menus are fantastic!

The Smith's bar is always bustling with people waiting for their table or who just popped in to have a bite from the menu's many Bar Snacks and Starters. I can personally, highly recommend the deviled eggs, beer battered string beans and mac+cheese! I can also vouch for several of the house-made cocktails (Angry Apple, Tickled Pink, Dirty Jane) or go wild and combine one of the homemade sodas with your favorite liquor (I suggest Pomegranite Lime with vodka!!)

The menus at The Smith are almost impossibly diverse, with everything from chicken pot pie, to mussels, to an awesome ahi tuna salad and of course an out of this world burger (don't forget great pasta!!) If you're going for brunch, good luck deciding between sweets off the griddle, staples like steak and eggs and outrageous options like the potato waffle benedict and sicilian baked eggs. The good news is that I've never had a bad bite, no matter what I've ordered.

The Smith is perfect for large groups (most of the locations actually have private rooms if needed), a girl's night out, brunch with your in-laws or even a date because the atmosphere is lively and the tasty menu has something for everyone. Next time you have "nowhere" to go, remember The Smith!!

Peels Please

Over the weekend, as I was diving into a tasty Peels tuna salad sandwich, I realized that it's been a while since I did a restaurant review over here and man oh man is Peels worthy of a mention! I discovered Peels, located at 325 Bowery St. (btw E 2nd & 3rd) thanks to a favorite fellow blogger, Rebecca over at The Daily Muse. Always looking to expand my restaurant repertoire, Dr. H and I eventually made a visit of our own and Peels lived up to expectations!

The first thing to love about Peels is the decor. The gorgeous exposed brick, tin ceilings, wood bar, green booths and crown moldings are so beautiful, I wouldn't mind one day having a home that feels just like Peels inside. Peels also has a solid amount of outdoor seating which is great for sunny Sunday morning brunching. Then of course, there is the food:

Tuna Salad Sandwich image via Foodspotting

Though I have only been to Peels for brunch/lunch (served all day!), my love affair with their cuisine is so strong that I'm going to guess dinner is a home run too. I've tested all matter of their eggs, their salads are made with greens so fresh you can taste the healthiness and their pastries, from biscuits and bread to muffins and donuts are straight up killa. But for the Peels pièce de résistance, one absolutely must order the "Build a Biscuit"....

"Build-a-Biscuit" image via Foodspotting

The Peels Build-a-Biscuit invites you to pile on to a (super tasty) buttermilk biscuit any (or all!) of the following: eggs, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, country ham, avocado, cheese and gravy. When the bartender (awesome bloody mary's in case you were wondering) proposed I order his personal favorite of scrambled eggs, fried chicken, bacon, pimento (or was it jalapeno?) cheese and gravy, I couldn't say no (and was thrilled that I didn't!) Gluttony well spent, my biscuit was hands down one of the best breakfasts I've ever eaten.

With large upstairs and down stairs dining rooms (plus outdoor seating), a basic menu which gets manageably adventurous while sticking to a reasonable price point and truly delicious food, Peels is an awesome spot for brunch, lunch (and I'm sure dinner!) with friends. (PS- they also deliver!)

Note: Unless otherwise attributed, all images shown are the work of Rebecca Baust, The Daily Muse. She is an amazing photographer <-- click here to see more.

Hump Day Distractions

Thanks Bill.

By the time you read this I will be wandering the streets of Lisbon, Portugal with mi amor, the infamous Dr. H. But fear not, I could never leave you to face the week alone. F.I.T.S. of Merriment is making it's triumphant return tomorrow and as for today, hump it here (who loves ya!?):

* College football fan? You're gonna love THIS. 

* In NYC, we take our brunch-ing very seriously.

* I am going to make a magical forest of balloons in my parent's backyard (yup, I just said that)

* There's something very goth-y gorgeous about this. I want.

* I love you Brad. Always have, always will.

* I need to get me one of THESE. (via CupofJo)

* One day dogs may have their revenge, but in the meantime, enjoy THIS.

I got it from my mama.

So true.

I love my mom. And though I think Mother's Day has evolved into a mostly commercial holiday, I love the idea of a day where we all pause to acknowledge the women in our lives who have taken on the awesome responsibility of motherhood. Whether it's a grandma (love you Nanny!), a mommy-in-law (I've got two!) a friend who is a mother or a woman who has always been like a mom to you, this Sunday, be sure to remind her just how much better your life is thanks to her. 

Consider the classic gesture of permanent ink to declare your love (faux tributes also accepted).

Click HERE for awesome free tattoo
 printables (and where to by the tattoo paper!)

Be sure to take a moment to tell your mom all the reasons why you think she is the best.

You're never too old for a thoughtful craft!

Skip the long waits and lousy pre fixe menus. Invite mom over for a delicious homemade brunch or go to her and serve it up in bed (Bonus: you can stay in your sweatpants!)

Click HERE for some amazing brunch recipes
Click HERE for the awesome toothpick flag printables

Plus...

* Grab your tissues and watch this AMAZING mom-loving commercial.

* Prepare to laugh. Hard. 50 shades of hard...

Thank you moms for being you.

Dim Sum Sunday.

Take me down to Chinatown

My Dad introduced me to one of the best NYC culinary adventures a foodie could hope for:  dim sum. At least once a month my family heads to Chinatown for a feast of dumplings, bok choy, pork buns, stuffed eggplant... (getting hungry yet!?) Chinatown is an amazing cultural experience in itself (Dr. H and I love wandering among the "locals" buying produce, fresh seafood and turtles (yup, they're from Chinatown) along Canal Street) but it's the dim sum that keeps us coming back time and time again. 

Oriental Garden: Elizabeth btw Canal and Bayard
Show up before noon or the wait can be up to an hour!

While I'm sure there are a ton of awesome dim sum spots in Manhattan's chinatown, we are Oriental Gardens people. Discovered by Dad, we never stray to the bigger/fancier looking dim sum joint next door. 

This is the scene around 10:30am; by noon it's jam packed. That
silver cart makes its way through the room.

Start off with some fresh brewed green leaf tea while you wait
for the cart to arrive.

Waiters circulate the dining room with small plates (vegetables, soups, spring rolls) and you can order any of the (extremely) well reviewed szechuan chinese dishes. The silver cart works the room with a variety of dumplings and other dim sum traditional dishes. Though we may pass on the chicken's feet (yup) nearly everything that cart brings us is a delicious decision.

Shu mai comes 4 per basket. If you ever go with me,
we'll be grabbing more than one basket from the cart.

Everything about dim sum is smiley.

For each dish or basket they put on your table, you get a stamp (or dollar amount for larger dishes) and I can't think of a better value in NYC than dim sum. We eat our faces off (is there any other way at brunch?!) and it's usually around $15 per person. Though it's definitely not for everyone, if you're an adventurous eater looking for a break from french toast and omelets, go for a Dim Sum Sunday. 

Wishing my Dad, my adventure inspiration and forever tour guide a very Happy Birthday:)